ZAGREB AT A GLANCE / SHORT TOUR

Join us on a walk into Zagreb's past, a time of two little hills which make up the city's core and tell its story. Cultural and historical landmarks.In this tour, we will see the Upper Town: Kaptol and Gradec, medieval settlements which make up the city's core and which are home to the biggest number of landmarks, Including the Cathedral, Dolac, Opatička Street with St Francis Church, Tkalčićeva Street, Stone Gates, St.Mark's Square, Basaričekova Street, Ćirilmetodska street, Katarina Zrinska Square, Lotršćak, Jelačić square.

ZAGREB CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Stephen and Saint Ladislaus is both a symbol of Christianity in Croatia and a repository of Croatian history. Throughout its long existence, the Cathedral has been renovated in several styles, ranging from Romanic and Gothic to Baroque, while renovations following the earthquake in 1880 were carried out in the Neo-Gothic style. It was during this period that the Cathedral got its two recognizable towers.

The history of the Cathedral is closely related to the founding of the Zagreb diocese in 1094. The diocese was founded by King Ladislaus to strengthen his power in Croatia. A church and a settlement had previously existed at this location. The cathedral was built at the location of a small Romanic church, reduced to ruins when the Tatars attacked Zagreb in 1242.

Works on the construction of the Cathedral began in the 13th century. After two centuries of renovations, a lightning strike in 1624 damaged the cathedral. A new period of renovations began, and it would last well into the 19th century, when another natural catastrophe threatened the city. In 1880, Zagreb was hit by a terrible earthquake which damaged the whole city, including the cathedral. Herman Bollé, who was in charge of reconstructions after the earthquake, is responsible for the Cathedral's present Neo-Gothic appearance.

KULA LOTRŠČAK

Located near the funicular, Lotršćak tower is the only remaining tower within the city's medieval fort dating from the 13th century. The bell inside the tower used to warn the city about approaching dangers, but it also used to signal the closing of the gates each evening.

Ever since 1 January 1877, the Grič cannon fires precisely at noon. The sound of the cannon which echoes throughout the Down Town is one of the city's many charming peculiarities.

The tower's souvenir shop offers unique artworks and jewellery made by the city's artisans, while the price of the ticket for the tower includes the opportunity to enjoy the lovely view of the city from the top of the tower.

DOLAC MARKET

Zagreb's biggest, most famous market was opened in 1930, when Zagreb had 18,000 inhabitants. A number of medieval houses had to be torn down in order for the market to be built, so plans for the construction of the market were met with fierce resistance by the city's inhabitants. The idea was accepted over time and today the market is a symbol of the city.

An estimated 70,000 people pass through the market each day. The numbers may vary, but Dolac is most certainly the liveliest, most crowded place in the city, where rich smells and vibrant colors attract customers and open wallets. Daily fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish and produce from all Croatian regions are sold under charming traditional parasols.

BAN JELAČIĆ SQUARE

This is Zagreb's central – and also biggest – square. Its architectural heritage encompasses 130 years and the dominant styles in Europe throughout that period: Classicism, Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, Art Nouveau and contemporary architecture.

The oldest house is located at number 15 and it dates from 1828, while the newest architectural addition to the square is a skyscraper constructed in 1958. The square's northern side was populated as early as the 13th century, while the traditional cattle fair was removed from this square to nearby Zrinjevac park in 1830. The south side remained empty and uninhabited until the late 18th century. The square's most important object and most recognizable feature is the large statue of ban Jelačić, who holds an important place in Croatian history. During his reign (1848 – 1859), ban Jelačić abolished serfdom and class differences and organized the first elections for the Croatian parliament.

Today the square is a traditional meeting place for Zagreb's inhabitants, who wait for their friends and lovers beneath the clock or beneath the statue.

SAINT MARK'S CHURCH

Located at the heart of Gradec, between the two most important Croatian political institutions – the Croatian Parliament and the government headquarters – Saint Mark's church is certainly one of the most well-known, oldest symbols of the city.

This triple-nave Romanic basilica has changed its appearance throughout the centuries. According to a local legend, the church is the precise location from which Saint Mark preached Christianity – hence its name. In the past, the square in front of the church was the site of daily activities, fairs, commerce and public punishments. It was where the city judge, members of the city council and Croatian rulers were sworn into office. The square was surrounded by guild flags, while guild altars were to be found inside the church.

The church was extended and renovated in the Gothic style in the 14th century, when it got its present shape and dimensions. Renovations continued throughout the following centuries, and the church's most famous decoration, its multicolored-tile roof, was added in the 18th century. The crests on the roof represent the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia and the city of Zagreb.